Three first-time classics available at Shannons’ Spring Online Auction

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 09.11.2020

After your first classic car? Consider these attractive candidates at Shannons’ next sale

Shannons’ next classic car online auction kicks off in a matter of days, with bids open from November 11 to November 18. There will be 176 lots in total with 68 cars seeking new homes; 23 of them for No Reserve, we might add.

While it’s the top-shelf hero cars that frequently fetch the headlines, there is no shortage of attractive entry and mid-level offerings for the everyday enthusiast!

READ NEXT: SHANNONS' WINTER CLASSIC AUCTION FULL RESULTS

Whether you’re after your first classic car, or simply looking to add another toy to the shed, here are three confident classics that shouldn’t break the bank - all of which will cross the block with No Reserve attached.

Lot 108 – 1969 Volkswagen Beetle 1500S Sedan

Guiding Range: $6,000-$10,000
Location: Sydney

Ostensibly one of the most significant automobiles in history, the Volkswagen Beetle was famously (or infamously) dubbed ‘The People’s Car’ and made personal mobility attainable for generations around the world.

Simple and bulletproof engineering, coupled with equally simple maintenance, made the Beetle a smash hit when new and its enduring may well earn it the title of ‘the people’s classic’; as it remains a popular model for both first-time classic car owners and seasoned enthusiasts (like our own Glenn Torrens) alike.

This Australian-delivered example comes with good history, originally sold to someone in Altona, Melbourne in 1969. Along the way, the original engine was replaced with a period-correct and tuned 1500cc unit by VW specialist Pat Crea and the vehicle continues to run and drive well today.

Currently owned by a Sydney-based enthusiast, the Beetle presents in good original condition throughout with some nice touches including the period-style roof rack and the original key.

Lot 134 – 1993 Holden HSV VP Commodore ‘Plus Six’ (Build No.18)

Guiding Range: $8,000-$10,000
Location: Melbourne

The rise and rise of all things Holden and HSV in the wake of Australia’s manufacturing industry has left little to be had in the under-five-figure segment. But while a limited-build HSV for under $10,000 may sound almost ludicrous these days, that’s exactly what we have here.

Granted, it’s not an especially hot one. The VP Plus Six (or +6) was built in limited numbers with 92 build in 1992, and 58 produced in 1993.

Based on the six-cylinder Executive, the +6 gained no real performance enhancements with its 3.8lt V6 still rated at the factory 125kW, however it did gain a variety of dress-up parts, body kid components and special touches.

This one represents #18 of 58 produced in 1993, and shows 142,390kms from new. It presents well with only minor blemishes of age. It’s surely one of the most affordable ways into HSV ownership, and you could feasibly even drive this one every day if you wanted to.

Lot 118 – 1962 Holden EK Special Sedan

Guiding Range: $18,000-$24,000
Location: Sydney

The EK represented Holden’s annual facelift for 1961 and brought with it incremental changes including a new heating/fresh-air unit and a new grille. Less obvious were the new electric windscreen wipers (replacing the old vacuum system) and the new imported Hydramatic three-speed gearbox.

The last of the finned era of local Holdens, the EK represented a high point for the then-young brand, posting 112,860 units sold in 1961.

This one on offer is an astounding survivor having remained in the same family ownership since new, in fact the vendor was there with their father that day the car was purchased in May 1962.

The car spent much of its life as a family car in Sydney before it was inherited by the vendor and enjoyed a far more sympathetic retirement.

A reconditioned replacement motor was fitted in the mid-70s and has travelled around 25,000kms since. More recent works include a new clutch, front wheel cylinders, drag link, rear idler arm, bushes and more.

The car is not concours and shows wear and tear consistent with its near-60 years of life. It has never been restored however, and presents remarkably original. The vendor even drove the car to Sydney for the auction, and states that they wouldn’t hesitate to drive it to Perth. The car is accompanied by a cache of original log books, manuals, documentation and receipts, as well as some spares.

View all available cars at Shannons.com.au

Classic Australian Family Car Value Guide home page

Muscle Car Value Guide home page

Japanese Classic Car Value Guide home page

Recent auction results

Unique Cars magazine Value Guides

Sell your car for free right here